Over 150 women, many in African attire, gathered at the Jefferson School City Center’s African-American Heritage Center for an evening of health updates and fashion. The event was part Chihamba’s 24th Annual African American Cultural Arts Festival. The event included information about the Heritage Center, a breast health talk, “Expanding on the basics: What advances in research are telling us about genetics and breast cancer,” and a fashion show featuring Adore Modeling & Talent Agency, and Kenechi Fashions.
“This was a fun and successful event because we were able to provide some extremely important health information to a room full of women,” said Jackie Martin of the Martha Jefferson Starr Hill Health Center. “We are grateful to the Chihamba festival committee for allowing us this opportunity.”
Martha Jefferson’s Starr Hill Health Center wellness assessments were promoted. Other organizations including Every Woman’s Life, The Women’s Initiative, and Sisters Conquering Cancer, answered questions about their services. Over 200 Advanced Directives were distributed at the event and food was provided by Piedmont Virginia Community College’s Culinary Arts Program.
JABA’s Long-Term Care Ombudsmen
JABA is looking for volunteer advocates to work to improve the quality of life
for people in long-term care facilities. Candidates should have good listening skills, understanding, and the ability to be assertive, but patient. The volunteer commitment is four hours per week. Those interested should call Beth at (434) 817-5271.
Walk-in Wellness Clinic for Women
The Women’s Initiative has provided a listening ear to over 4000 women in our area since they opened their doors in 2008. Now the counselors of The Women’s Initiative are available at the Jefferson School City Center. Walk-in hours for a free, one-on-one session with a counselor are Tuesday mornings from 9 am-1 pm or Wednesday afternoons from 2-5 pm. Staff are available to provide immediate, short-term assistance to those in need of self-care assessment and planning, referral services, education, or emotional support.
“We’re offering effective evidence-based mental health care to women, regardless of their financial means,” said Outreach Coordinator and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Eboni Bugg. “We can help women transform challenging life situations into opportunities for personal growth.” For more information please contact Eboni at 434-202-7692.
Just Breathe
Common Ground Healing Arts will be presenting Dancing with the Breath: An Intro to Restorative and Buteyko Breathing on Saturday, August 17, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm at the Jefferson School City Center. Promoted as “an inspiring, informative, and practical class on the respiratory system,” participants will learn how to use breath awareness and remedial breathing exercises throughout the day to remain anxiety and stress free. The class will be led by Dorisse Aha, who is an RN and a Respiratory, Movement, Wellness and Buteyko Breathing Educator.
Buteyko Breathing is also used to strengthen immune systems, help people overcome allergies, sinus problems, asthma, and respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological challenges through breath control. For more information, visit Common Ground.
Vendor Spaces Available for Indoor Flea Market at Carver Recreation Center
Charlottesville Parks and Recreation will present the Carver Flea Market on Saturday, August 24 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Carver space at the Jefferson School City Center. The summertime outdoor yard sale has been brought inside to Carver.
Vendor space is still available. Vendor applications are available at Carver Recreation Center, or online. Spaces are approximately 8’ x 8’ and are $15 each. Vendors must provide their own tables.
Admission to the event is free. Visitors are encouraged to come browse for unique, low-cost items.
Jefferson School City Center is a voice of the nine nonprofits located at Charlottesville’s intergenerational community center, the restored Jefferson School. We are a legacy preserved . . . a soul reborn . . . in the heart of Cville!
